Your armpit is a prime spot for irritation. You may not be able to see an armpit rash right away, but the itch and irritation can be unbearable in some cases.

Armpit rashes can be bumpy and red or scaly and white. Many things can cause underarm rashes, and likewise, many treatments can address them. Determining the cause of the rash makes it easier to find relief.

Armpit rashes can last from a few hours to a few months. Most rashes can be easily treated with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. However, it’s important to know what’s causing your rash before taking measures to treat it and prevent future rashes.

For instance, rashes caused by hot weather usually disappear quickly. Rashes caused by your lifestyle or skin conditions may last longer and may require specific treatments.

Atopic dermatitis

Also known as eczema, atopic dermatitis normally begins in childhood. Eczema is most common in the folds of the body, like the backs of the knees, insides of the elbows, or in the armpits. It’s usually red, itchy, and can crust over.

Because of the intense itch, eczema rashes can bleed after continuous scratching. Sometimes, eczema rashes seep clear fluid. Many people with eczema experience flare-ups at certain times of the year. Otherwise, their skin may appear normal.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is skin irritation caused partly by the overproduction of sebum, or skin oils. Unlike the dry patches of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis appears as oily patches of flakes or scales. The flakes may be white or yellow due to the excess oil.

Some infants experience a form of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap. This condition usually shows up on the scalp, ears, face, and armpits.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when you come into contact with an allergen or irritant.

The fragrance in your deodorant or lotion can lead to contact dermatitis under your arms. A new laundry detergent or even the fabric of your shirt can also cause contact dermatitis.

Candida

Candida or candidiasis is essentially a fungus or yeast infection. Candida occurs most frequently on moist areas of skin, like the underarms. It can cause:

swelling

itching

scaling

red rashes

Candida can worsen in hot weather, under tight clothing, or because of poor hygiene. Unlike other underarm rashes, candida rashes are best treated by an antifungal cream. Steroid creams can make fungal infections worse.

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Several of these conditions are caused or irritated by substances coming into contact with your skin.

Find the irritant

For contact dermatitis, identify the irritant and stop using it immediately. This may solve the rash altogether. It may also solve eczema and seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.

Actions you can take

In addition to removing irritants, armpit rashes can be soothed by:

taking a warm (but not hot) bath with colloidal oatmeal

using over-the-counter anti-itch creams

lathering up with unscented moisturizers in the case of dry skin and eczema

using cool compresses

Don’t scratch

Avoid scratching the irritated area. Scratching makes the skin vulnerable to infections and can turn a simple rash into a larger issue. Some medications may help relieve itching:

During the day. Try taking Allegra or Claritin. These are both nonsedating antihistaminesand available over the counter.

At night. A sedating antihistamine like Benadryl can soothe itching and help you stay asleep.

Relax

Stress can aggravate some forms of dermatitis. Relaxation techniques can help fight the rash. Plus, relaxation can make it easier to resist scratching.

Remedies to relieve an armpit rash

Home remedies

Ingredients you have around at home can help treat many armpit rashes:

Place ice cubes against the rash. This may help with itching.

Consume more vitamin C in oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli to help you fight against skin issues caused by infections.

Cut open a lemon and slide it across your armpit skin. The lemon’s citric acid can kill bacteria in your armpit. Using lemons this way also works as a DIY deodorant.

Some essential oils may help treat an armpit rash, too. Lavender, coconut, or tea tree oils help with itchiness, irritation, and fungal infections.

Mix a small amount of lavender and coconut oil and use a cotton swab to spread the mixture on your rash to soothe irritation.

Use tea tree oil mixed with water on a cotton swab to help kill fungus and stop excessive itchiness.

Over-the-counter remedies

Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion are both effective home treatments for an irritated and inflamed armpit rash.

A candida rash or other fungal rash requires a different approach. Try over-the-counter antifungal treatments that contain clotrimazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole. Any creams or lotions that have these ingredients can help with a fungal armpit rash. However, hydrocortisone creams (steroid creams) will worsen fungal rashes.

Using anti-chafing powders can also help reduce the discomfort caused by an armpit rash. These powders decrease the pain and irritation caused by skin rubbing against itself in your armpit. They may not get rid of the rash completely, but they can help make the rash more tolerable until you can try other treatments.

Complications of armpit rashes

Leaving an armpit rash untreated for too long can lead to serious bacterial and fungal infections. These infections can result in fluid-filled red bumps called pustules to form on the skin. Pustules are itchy and inflamed. Scratching them too often can leave scars. Other symptoms of a bacterial infection include:

warmth

tenderness

swelling

redness

If there are any underlying causes of your rash, other complications can occur. Talk to your doctor about your rash if it won’t disappear with treatments. A skin biopsy or prescription treatment may be necessary.

Preventing armpit rashes

Practicing good hygiene is the most important way to prevent armpit rashes. Shower regularly and air-dry instead of using a towel, if possible.

If you notice that certain deodorants or other skin products cause a rash, stop using them right away. If your rashes may not seem to have a specific cause, see an allergist. They can help you find out if any allergens in your home or other environments may be causing your rash.

Wearing tight clothing made of synthetic material can lead to armpit rashes. This is because sweat can’t escape from the armpit. Wear loose, cotton clothing so that your armpit can breathe and sweat doesn’t pool on your sensitive armpit skin.

In some cases, your armpit rash may simply be a heat rash. When the weather is hot and wet, use talcum powder in your armpit to stop a heat rash from occurring. During hot weather, stay in cool, air-conditioned places. Keep the area where you sleep cool with air conditioning or a fan.

What’s the outlook?

If your rash doesn’t subside with over-the-counter or home remedies, ask your doctor about prescription-strength solutions.